meta
/ˈmeta/feminine
In Spanish, the word for 'target' (as in a goal or objective) is meta. Wiktionary also lists target.
Meaning: goal or objective (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| meta | /ˈmeta/ | feminine |
| target | /ˈtaɾɡet/ | masculine |
The word is used to describe an aim or a goal. In linguistic contexts, the specific phrase lengua meta is used to refer to the target language being studied. Other words can also serve as synonyms for target depending on the context: objetivo is a formal translation for target used in business or academic contexts, while propósito can be used as a synonym for target in formal contexts, carrying a sense of intention.
Which one should you use?
The word meta is a feminine noun used for abstract goals or objectives. In contrast, the masculine form target also exists in Spanish.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Meta is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmeta/
Did you know?
- In casual Spanish slang, meta can be a clipping of metanfetamina, referring to the drug methamphetamine. Context is essential to avoid confusing a life goal with a controlled substance.
- If you use meta to describe a target in a shooting range, you will be misunderstood. For a physical bullseye or mark, Spanish speakers use blanco meaning 'white'.
- In Spanish, the word objetivo serves as a double meaning for 'target' and 'objective'. Depending on the context, it can refer to a business goal or the lens of a camera.
Examples in context
- Si una persona no ha tenido la oportunidad de adquirir su lengua meta antes de llegar a adulto, es improbable que llegue a alcanzar el nivel de un hablante nativo en esa lengua.If a person has not had a chance to acquire his target language by the time he's an adult, he's unlikely to be able to reach native speaker level in that language.This sentence is useful for discussing the concept of a target language in the context of language acquisition.Tatoeba #2158042 by lazarus1907, translation #1230633 by alec
- El objetivo principal del proyecto es aumentar las ventas en un 20%.The main target of the project is to increase sales by 20%.
- La meta de esta campaña es recaudar fondos para los niños necesitados.The target of this campaign is to raise funds for children in need.
- Nuestro propósito es convertirnos en líderes del mercado.Our target is to become market leaders.
- Nuestro objetivo principal es proporcionar un excelente servicio al cliente.Our main target is to provide excellent customer service.
- La meta es terminar el proyecto hoy.The goal is to finish the project today.
- Nuestra meta principal es la satisfacción del cliente.Our primary goal is customer satisfaction.
Example conversation
Two colleagues discussing their performance reviews.
- LucíaAlejandro, ¿ya cumpliste tu meta de ventas?Alejandro, did you already meet your sales target?
- AlejandroCasi, pero me falta un poco más.Almost, but I need a little more.
- LucíaEs una meta difícil de alcanzar este mes.It is a difficult goal to reach this month.
- AlejandroSí, pero voy a lograrlo pronto.Yes, but I am going to achieve it soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “target” translations and entries meta, target, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries meta, target, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
